Gene tie to repeat candidiasis risk

Genes linked to recurring candidiasis have been identified by French researchers.

The team from Necker Medical School in Paris sequenced genes from patients with histories of recurring infections of Candida albicans.

The researchers found that a recessive mutation of the cytokine receptor interleukin-17A and a dominant mutation of a related receptor, interleukin-17F, underlie these chronic infections.

They concluded: 'Our report indicates that human IL-17A and IL-17F are essential for protective immunity to C albicans and, to a lesser extent, Staph aureus in the nails, skin, oral and genital mucosae, but are otherwise mostly redundant.'

The research team added that patients on treatment that blocks IL-17 should be carefully monitored by health professionals for mucocutaneous infections.